The narrator, Penny, has been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety since she was three years old. She has a strong compulsion to clean and touch certain objects, such as streetlights. She has been hiding her condition from her mother and has been struggling to cope with it.
Penny's classmate and rival, Jim, has been teasing her about her condition and calling her "Janitor Penny." However, as they grow older, Jim starts to show a more caring and understanding side. He helps Penny by offering to walk her home and even saves her from being hit by a car.
Penny starts to open up to Jim about her condition, and he becomes a source of support for her. He even helps her to overcome her anxiety by suggesting that she close her eyes and not look at the streetlights.
As they grow closer, Penny starts to develop feelings for Jim, and eventually, they share a kiss. With Jim's support, Penny starts to feel more confident and comfortable with her condition. She also starts to open up to her mother about her struggles and receives the help and support she needs.
The story concludes with Penny feeling more at peace and in control of her condition, thanks to the support of her mother and Jim.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The narrator, Penny, is from New Zealand.
2. Penny was diagnosed with various conditions at the age of three.
3. Penny has a strong need for cleanliness and order.
4. Penny's father left the family when she was young.
5. Penny's mother told her that her father's departure was not her fault.
6. Penny was bullied by a classmate named Jim in school.
7. Jim would often tease Penny and call her "Janitor Penny".
8. Penny would get anxious and touch streetlights to feel better.
9. One day, Jim saved Penny from being hit by a car.
10. Jim started to help Penny with her anxiety and took her to school.
11. Penny's mother had a coffee shop where Penny worked.
12. Jim won an art contest and was interviewed by a journalist at Penny's mother's coffee shop.
13. The interview was disrupted by Penny's anxiety and need for cleanliness.
14. Jim stood up for Penny and fought with the cameraman who touched her.
15. Penny's mother finally acknowledged Penny's anxiety and promised to help her.
16. Jim helped Penny to open up to her mother about her struggles.
17. Penny finally felt free to be herself and enjoy her school life.
18. Penny realized that Jim had feelings for her.
19. Jim and Penny started a romantic relationship.